The sun was rising over the horizon in the city called Hexeka. The orange wolf was in bed, and with his soft cotton covers, he slept soundly. He was then woken by his alarm clock buzzing loudly. He would shuffle in bed, irritated by the noise. The wolf sat up and stretched like recently escaped hibernation. After turning off the alarm clock, the curtains open independently, and electric lights beam in from the windows. The bright electric lights make the wolf cover his eyes, and he sighs as he pulls himself out of bed. The blankets were a tangled mess.
Out of nowhere, a male auto-tune voice named Ziggy spoke up. "Good morning, Jared." "Morning, Ziggy." Ziggy curiously inquired, "How did you find your rest?" Jared responded, "It was quite refreshing, as usual." The bedside table counter seamlessly opened up on one side, and a cup of water hovered into view. Jared effortlessly reached out and grabbed the cup, taking a satisfying sip of the cool liquid. "But I'm wondering, Ziggy," he continued, "what's on the agenda for today?"
"According to your daily planner, your agenda is, going to the store at, 12:30 PM, and visiting your mother at, 10:45 AM.." Ziggy continued to explain the agenda, The wolf took another sip of his water as he thought that today would be an easy day. Or so he thinks, as Ziggy said something that caught him off guard. "Job interview from the Hexeka Police Department at, 7:30 AM, and finally me-" Jared coughed up his water, as he interrupted Ziggy, "What did you just say..?"
"the one for meeting Ka-"
"No! Before that."
Ziggy processed what he had said before, ¨My apologies, was it the job interview at Hexeka Police Department at 7:30 AM¨ Jared placed his cup on the bedside table. ¨Yes, that, you said it was for today?¨
¨Yes, would you like me to reschedule?¨ Jared itched his ear as he became puzzled, ¨No, hold up what time is it?¨ Jared turned and looked at the time as Ziggy said, ¨It is currently, 7:35 AM.¨
¨What!¨ Jared yelled out, Jared quickly tossed aside his sheets, leaping out of bed with urgency. He strode across the room and flung open the closet door, his mind set on the current priority. ¨It seems like you are five minutes late, Jared.¨
¨I can see that!¨ Jared starts to throw clothes left and right. ¨Where´s my uniform-¨ He looked under his bed, and Ziggy replied, ¨It would be best to wake up soon when expected.¨
¨That was your responsibility to wake me up, you the robot here!¨ Jared's irritation slowly starts to flare up in him.
¨Yes, but how will I know when to wake you? Would you like to put the alarm clock to an earlier time?¨ Jared looks all around the house for his uniform. ¨ You know, it would be better if-¨
¨ You seem to be stressed, take some deep breaths.¨ Jared started to get frustrated with Ziggy as he was talking over him. ¨ Ziggy!¨
¨ Now you sound frustrated, Jar-¨ Jared had enough, he couldn´t be later than he already was, and he raised his voice at Ziggy to get his attention. ¨ZIGGY!! Would you shut up for just a second and show me where I put my damn uniform! I'm running around like a crazy chicken with just boxers on getting prepared for my job interview! Which is eight minutes late! So do you intend to keep talking over me with your stupid voice or help me!!¨
Jared anxiously waited for Ziggy to respond, but it seemed like an eternity before Ziggy finally spoke up. "Your uniform is in the hallway closet," he said. Jared couldn´t resist the urge anymore and fleetly approached the closet. The door slowly glided open, revealing his uniform patiently waiting for him. He quickly grabbed his uniform and started changing.
********************
Ziggy skillfully prepared a steaming cup of coffee for Jared as he got ready. A few minutes later, Jared stepped out of the restroom, revealing a crisp and tidy appearance. His hair, once tousled, was now artfully slicked to the side, giving him a neat and sophisticated look. He picked up his bag, gracefully adjusting his work tie while exuding a sense of meticulous polish. "Is everything ready, Ziggy?"
"yes, Jared, together with your coffee." Jared picked up his cup of coffee, "Thanks, I'm going to get going now. Keep the temperature cool when I come back, I don't want you to start heating this place like an oven like last time, OK?"
"Understood. Does 75 degrees sound good to you?"
"Sure, that's fine. See you later, Ziggy." Jared opened his apartment door. "Goodbye, Jared, and good luck with your interview." Jared closed the door and went downstairs to the main entrance of the building.
Jared made his way down the stairs, almost tripling as he hustled to the main entrance of the apartment building. Surprisedly, he felt someone bump into him, "oof!" papers flew in the air, and they fell on the floor. Jared looked down and saw that it was a friend of his, Ms. Cottonville. Jared knelt and started to pick up her papers, "I-Im so sorry Ms. Cottonville, I was in such a hurry, I didn't see you passing by." Jared explained nervously. Ms. Cottonville reassured him that it was no big deal, "Oh no worries dear, it happens all the time. I should start selling my brand of "Cottonville Bumper Stickers¨!" Cottonvile gives Jared a tease as she also picks up her papers. Jared laughs sheepishly, even though her jokes are corny as hell.
Cottonville tilted her head slightly, "But I may ask since you mentioned it, how come you in such a hurry?" Jared handed Cottonville her papers as he stood up. "Well you see, I'm supposed to be in a job interview, but I'm running a bit late so.." Jared swayed his hands, "I should get going before I'm even more late," Jared said hesitantly. Cottonville understood what he meant, "Oh, I see. Well, no wonder you're in such a rush then! Don't let me keep you any longer, you need to get going!"
Jared nodded, he stood up and jogged out the entrance. He turned around and waved to Ms.Cottonville, ¨Bye! I'll see you later!¨
¨Ok dear, bye! Oh let me know how it goes later!¨ She starts walking the opposite way.
As Jared jogged down the street to catch up with a taxi, his mind zoomed in with thoughts and feelings about the upcoming job interview. "Come on, stay calm. You can do this, it's just a job interview. You've got qualifications, and experience and you're good at what you do. To stay confident, and answer their questions truthfully," Jared muttered. "Just be yourself, don't let your nerves get the best of you. This could be a chance to change everything, don't mess it up."
Jared looked left and right for a taxi, his ears perked up as he saw a cab ahead. Jared started to run as fast as he could before the traffic light turned green. When Jared finally reached the taxi, he knocked on the window and asked exhaustedly, ¨Hey, can I get a ride?¨ Jared was trying to catch his breathing. The taxi driver nods as he gestures to Jared to get in, ¨Yeah sure, get in. I don't got all day.¨ Jared opened the door as he got into the passenger seat, ¨Thanks.¨
¨where too?¨ he said in a rusty voice. ¨Eastside of Hexeka Police Department, and quick.¨ He started up the car and was on the road.
Jared leaned back on the passenger seat, looking out the window. He saw the sun slowly rising, waking up the city. Jared took his phone out of his pocket to see what time it was, ¨Damnit, I hope I manage to make it…¨ He sighed. It was 7:45 am.
As Jared rode in the taxi, he thought, "Man, I hope I don't mess this up. This job could turn things around for me." At the same time, he couldn't help but notice the smell of cigarettes and a faint whiff of leather. The driver seemed to be a gruff old man, and he didn't say much. The taxi's worn-out seats felt surprisingly comfortable as they bounced along the bumpy streets.
As they drove further, Jared glanced out the window at the city passing by. He saw the hustle and bustle of the morning rush hour, commuters on the sidewalk scampering to work, their faces expressionless or lost in thought. The tall buildings lining the streets towered over them, casting long shadows over the streets below. Suddenly, the taxi came to a halt, throwing Jared forward slightly. The driver slammed on the brakes, and Jared could feel his heart rate pick up as the taxi driver grumbled something under his breath.
Jared adjusted his position in the seat, gripping the edge of the seat cushion as he tried to steady himself. "Sorry about that," the driver grumbled, his voice gruff and rough. He glanced at Jared through the rearview mirror, his eyes barely visible behind worn-out sunglasses. "The morning rush is a nightmare. Everyone's in a hurry, and no one's got the decency to follow traffic rules."
Jared nodded, trying to keep his cool. "Yeah, I know what you mean. It's tough for everyone, especially in the city." He glanced out the window again, honking cars and screeching tires filling the air. Jared sighed as he looked at the digital clock on the cab´s dashboard. "I just hope I make it to my job interview on time."
The driver grunted, "Job interview, huh? No worries, I'll get you there! We might have to take unconventional routes to reach your destination, but I'm confident we'll get there in no time. But I ain't responsible for any broken bones or damage to your suit." The driver chuckled lowly, a hint of amusement in his voice. Jared managed a small smile, despite the tension, appreciating the driver's attempt at lightness.
"Appreciate it," Jared replied, trying to push down the anxiety in his chest. He was already late, and the last thing he wanted was to show up at the interview all rumpled. The taxi driver's words did little to quell his nerves, but Jared tried to focus on the positive. He had prepped for this interview, and he knew he was more than qualified for the job. All he needed was a bit of luck and a smooth ride to the police station.
The taxi continued its bumpy ride, weaving through traffic and making unexpected turns. The driver's alternative routes were undoubtedly saving time, but they moreover, provided Jared an abrupt and thrilling ride, somewhat like a miniature roller coaster. He held the edge of his seat tighter, trying to remain composed. "Are you sure this is the quickest way?" Jared asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and worry. The driver just chuckled in response, "Don't worry, kid. I know these streets like the back of my hand. We'll get there soon enough."
The driver finally pulled up in front of the police station, braking abruptly. Jared felt the sudden halt, bracing himself against the back of the driver's seat. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, relieved that the wild ride was over. "We're here," the driver stated bluntly, looking at Jared through the rearview mirror again. "Good luck with your interview, kid. You seem alright."
Jared unbuckled his seat belt and straightened his suit, trying to smooth any wrinkles. He took an additional deep breath before opening the taxi door and emerging onto the bustling city sidewalk. "Thanks," he said to the driver, feeling a mix of trepidation and determination. He glanced up at the towering building before him, the Hexeka Police Department, and with a final nod to himself, he walked forward, ready to face whatever awaited him.